The well-designed product has much going for it and could be one of the best smart switches.
It’s also available at a relatively low price, which is always a nice touch.
With an easy setup, it’s an excellent choice for your smart home.
Bryan M. Wolfe / How-To Geek
Price and Availability
The TP-Link Tapo S505 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch is available in white only.
A dimmer version (Tapo S505D) is also available and nearly identical.
From there, you must connect the wires to the smart switch according to TP-Link’s directions.
An inexpensive smart switch that offers various cutting-edge features, the Tap S505 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch is something worth considering. With an easy setup, it’s an excellent choice for your smart home.
Your existing setup must have a negative wire, or the switch won’t work.
When in doubt, you should consult with an electrician.
If you’re a renter, you’ll need to confirm you have permission before installing the smart switch.
An inexpensive smart switch that offers various cutting-edge features, the Tap S505 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch is something worth considering. With an easy setup, it’s an excellent choice for your smart home.
Otherwise, the switch isn’t lit.
At the bottom of the power button are two tinier ones for restarting and resetting the switch.
Overall, I like the look of the Tapo S505 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch.
Bryan M. Wolfe / How-To Geek
However, it’s only available in white, which might be a turn-off for some.
The app is required for the smart setup of any TP-Link Tapo product.
Your home must have a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi installation, and your equipment must support Bluetooth 4.2 or later.
Bryan M. Wolfe / How-To Geek
These include Apple Home, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.
I use Apple Home, so I paired the switch with this service.
I tested the setup process with Google Assistant and Alexa too.
Bryan M. Wolfe / How-To Geek
All three setups worked as expected.
When paired with the switch, the Tapo app serves various purposes.
you could limit this to simply turning the switch on or off with your mobile gadget.
Through the app, you’re free to assign others in your home as “members.”
That way, they can also launch the switch using the app.
The Tapo app is one of the best smart home apps I’ve seen.
Similar apps are often too difficult to understand or don’t work.
This one offers a simple set-up process for each accessory and also features a beautiful design.
TP-Link currently offers anything from indoor and outdoor cameras to doorbells and robot vacuums.
Each, when added to your home, works with the Tapo app.
No Smart Home is Perfect
Ive been using smart home devices for many years.
Generally, I believe they add great value to a home.
Unfortunately, as with all technology, they dont always work as expected.
During testing, the switch went offline twice.
Both times, the problem resolved itself without input on my part.
This snafu shouldnt be a reason not to buy this product.
As I said above, problems with technology do happen.
Should You Buy the Tapo S505 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch?
The TP-LinkTapo S505 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switchcomes at a great price, retailing at $25.
It works with all major smart home services, such as Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings.
It also works with Android and iPhone, which makes it usable by anyone with a Wi-Fi connection.
This is one to consider if youre in the market for a low-cost smart switch.